The Eagles decimated offensive line needed reinforcement. Veteran guard Jake Scott is the best fit they could find on the free-agent market.

Scott signed a one-year contract one day after the Eagles suffered their fifth straight loss, a 38-23 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys. Offensive lineman Julian Vandervelde was released to make room on the active roster.

Scott, 31, started 121 career regular season games and nine postseason contests for the Colts and Titans. He also played for Eagles offensive line coach Howard Mudd from 2004-07 in Indianapolis.

The veteran was signed to play guard, where he was Pro Football Focus' seventh-ranked guard last season for the Titans. Eagles left guard Evan Mathis finished with the highest grade among guards in 2011.

Scott's presence could bolster the Eagles at several positions. The veteran will likely quickly move into the starting right guard position, possibly as soon as Wednesday when the Eagles return to practice. That would allow rookie Dennis Kelly and possibly Danny Watkins — if healthy — a shot at tackle.

Demetress Bell started at left tackle Sunday against the Cowboys and King Dunlap on the right side. Both struggled with blocking and penalties.

Scott's spent all but three games of his career at guard. He started all 16 games at right guard the last four seasons in Tennessee, but remained on the free-agent market until mid-November. Scott claimed earlier this season that was by choice.

The Eagles are currently starting Kelly at right guard with Watkins sidelined by an ankle injury. Four-fifths of the projected starting Eagles offensive line is out with an injury. Only Mathis remains from the line the Eagles expected this season.

The Eagles line has struggled all year. It's reached a low point the past few weeks when Watkins and right guard Todd Herremans joined center Jason Kelce and All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters among the walking wounded.

Scott (6-foot-5, 292 pounds) was originally a fifth-round pick draft pick in 2004 by the Colts.